through a wall by over 80 percent when compared to wood-frame construction. Although some sound will  penetrate the windows, a concrete home is often two-thirds quieter than a wood-frame home.

 Comfortable Living

 Because concrete buildings are built with solid concrete walls they are more air-tight than wood-frame. The  continuous layer of rigid insulation used in concrete construction provides a consistent thermal barrier unlike  wood-frame and batt insulation which has gaps in the insulation. This reduces drafts and cold spots inside  your home resulting in more comfortable living spaces throughout your home.

 Timeless Designs

 Whether a Victorian gingerbread home or a Colonial mansion or a 3-story office building, concrete is quiet,  easy-to-maintain and safe from fire, hurricanes, termites and wood rot. Concrete also can be used to create  classic, low maintenance floors with patterns similar to classic stonework but with a look all their own.

 Thermal Mass = Even Temperature

 The mass of the concrete also has the heat-absorbing property called thermal mass. This smoothes out  swings in temperature over time. It keeps the house from overheating or getting suddenly cold when the  furnace or air conditioner cycles on and off throughout the day. It also helps keep the house or office cool in  the summer and warm in the winter resulting in year-round comfort.

 Lower Energy Bills

 The same qualities that bring you the quiet comfort - thermal mass and consistency of insulation - also  brings the peace of mind of saving money. Concrete homes and offices can often reduce energy bills by over  50 percent compared to wood-frame homes. It's not often an investment pays that kind of a return.

 That's The Beauty Of Today's Concrete

 There's more than one way to build your concrete home. Insulating concrete forms. Concrete masonry.  Aerated concrete. Tilt-up concrete. Precast concrete. With volatile wood prices, logging's high environmental  price tag, and a growing shortage of high quality lumber, concrete offers a variety of products and  construction techniques to provide cost effective, quality alternatives to wood-frame home construction.

 All of these systems share the same basic virtues of concrete - beauty, strength, durability, low maintenance,  energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, and peace and quiet. Which concrete building technique is  right for you depends on the labor force and predominant building practices in your area. Whatever your  choice, you can rest assured that your beautiful concrete home is built to last.